Sweet Bursaria Attracts a Haze of Insects

Sweet Bursaria flowers in mid – summer in the Strathbogie Ranges. The fragrant flowers attract masses of bufferflies ,moths and other native insects which in turn attract insect eating birds. Bursaria hosts insects that feed on sawfly larvae (spit-fire grubs ) which feed on eucalypts . It is a nectar source for wasps that parasite leaf eating scarab insects and pasture grubs, generally within 200 metres of the bush. The thorny plants make excellent refuges and nesting sites for small birds . There is a buzz of insect activity around our bushes today.

Spotted Flower Chafer (Polystigma punctata)

Sweet Bursaria is in the Pittosporaceae family , its leaves contain aesculin , a substance used in the treatment of lupus, thought to absorb ultraviolet rays. European settlers apparently used it to prevent sunburn . There has been an industry based on the collection of its leaves for sunburn creams and haemorrhoid treatment .

Great photos Janet.Our Bursaria at higher altitude (planted by us) struggle abit with wind throw and have genrally been slow to take off. Not sure if they would have naturally occured at higher altidudes?However after the last 2 years of increased moisture they are looking decidedly better.I like the acoustic qualities of the dried seed pods! i wonder wether this was a significant medicinal plant for the Taungurung?.